Electoral recommendations: The role of civil society

Civil society organizations contribute to improving elections through observation, research and advocacy. Translating their findings into improvements in electoral law and practice requires sustained engagement with institutions and citizens throughout the electoral cycle.

ODIHR is organizing a two-day regional workshop in Warsaw for citizen observer organizations and other civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans. Participants will share experiences of following up on electoral recommendations, assess progress and discuss practical ways to strengthen their contribution to electoral reform.

Drawing on ODIHR and civil society recommendations, discussions will explore how organizations can strengthen dialogue with decision-makers, maintain connections with citizens and support the participation of underrepresented groups. Participants will also consider how to sustain their expertise, independence and local networks.

The workshop is organized within ODIHR’s Enhancing Electoral Reform in the Western Balkans project, funded by the European Union, with additional contributions from Norway and Greece.

Participants will discuss:

• Assessing progress and identifying obstacles in the implementation of electoral recommendations;
• Turning observation findings into reform proposals and strengthening advocacy and dialogue with institutions;
• Engaging citizens and building local partnerships to support electoral reform;
• Following up on recommendations concerning the participation of underrepresented groups;
• Strengthening co-operation among civil society organizations, international observers and electoral assistance providers;
• Following up on recommendations on election campaigning, including information integrity, online campaigning, campaign finance and misuse of state resources.

Through practical exchanges and case studies, participants will develop focused follow-up plans for selected recommendations, identifying next steps, potential partners and ways to assess progress.

The workshop will bring together approximately 40 representatives of citizen observer organizations and other civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans, including organizations representing underrepresented groups.

OSCE field operations, international partners, representatives of academia, donors and practitioners will contribute to the discussions.

For further information, please contact wb-project@odihr.pl.